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Goodbye Cruel World (album)

The album's production (by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, who also produced the previous Punch the Clock), was not in line with Costello's other works, relying heavily on electronics and an overall slick, trendy feel. Thus, the record is not regarded among his better works; the liner notes to the 1995 reissue on Rykodisc begin with Costello's now-famous line "Congratulations! You just bought the worst album of my career."

There were two major singles from the album: "I Wanna Be Loved," a cover of an obscure Hi Records single by Teacher's Edition, and "The Only Flame in Town," which featured vocals by Daryl Hall. "I Wanna Be Loved" also had backing vocals by Green Gartside of Scritti Politti, credited only as "Green" on the original album.

It is also worth noting that on the back cover, Costello is shown without glasses. Additionally, keyboardist Steve Nieve is credited as "Maurice Worm."

Track listing

Note: The Rykodisc version has the original tracks and bonus tracks on one CD. The Rhino version has two CDs with the original tracks on the first CD.